projected R839 million infrastructure backlog, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden's sustainability is at risk.
Concerns over the condition and long-term sustainability of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden have resurfaced after Parliament heard that South Africa’s national botanical and zoological gardens are facing severe infrastructure pressures, with the backlog projected to reach R839 million by 2029/30.
The latest revelations come just months after the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) rejected allegations that Kirstenbosch was falling into decay, insisting at the time that the world-renowned Cape Town attraction remained a leading botanical, conservation and tourism institution.
The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment was briefed this week on infrastructure matters at Kirstenbosch and across the network of gardens managed by SANBI.
According to the committee, the gardens are battling ageing facilities, historical underinvestment and growing demands, placing pressure on infrastructure essential to conservation, research, education and tourism.
